UON event aims to swell the number of female scientists and engineers emerging from the county

Northamptonshire could be producing 300 extra female scientists and engineers thanks to a hugely successful schools event held at the University of Northampton.

More than 300 female pupils from across the county descended on Waterside campus for the Girls Into Science and Engineering event, on Tuesday 18 June.

As the name suggest, the day of activities was designed to get more girls aged 11 to 15 interested in pursuing careers in science and engineering.

University staff and students were joined by representatives from a host of organisations for the event, which boasted a packed programme of activities, including dry ice experiments, nuclear engineering workshops, exploring the tech behind Snapchat and blood group identification.

Staff were also on hand to provide all-important information on education and career paths, including podiatry, computing, midwifery, psychology, environmental science, life sciences, photography, occupational therapy, dentistry and information technology.

Cece Putt, a Year 6 pupil from Boothville Primary School in Northampton, said: “I always thought science was a bit boring, but thanks to the event I now know it can be very cool and there are lots of different jobs that I could do when I am older.”

UON’s Midwifery team were on-hand during the day

Linda Davis-Sinclair, Schools Engagement Lead at the University, said: “We were delighted to host girls from across the county to our annual event celebrating International Women into Science and Engineering Day.

“This is the third year running that we have offered a specific science event aimed at inspiring girls of this age and judging by the excited buzz in the main activities room, they were getting stuck into all that was on offer.

“Being able to host the event at our brand new Waterside Campus also allowed us to showcase some of the fantastic resources that we have and to talk to the girls about what they can expect if they choose to go to University.

“We are, as always, indebted to our academic colleagues and industry and community partners for supporting the event”

Duston Eldean Primary School pupils enjoying a dry ice experiment

The schools taking part were Weston Favell Academy, Kettering Science Academy, Corby Business Academy, Boothville Primary School, Duston Eldean Primary School, Studfall Junior Academy, Lumbertubs Primary School, Kingsthorpe Grove Primary, Whitefriars Primary School, Northampton International Academy, and Thomas Becket Catholic School.

Partner organisations that took part included Northamptonshire Police, Nenescape Partnership, Cisco, Cummins Power Systems, Atomic Science, Scott Bader, Anglian Water, Mahle Powertrain, Cavendish Nuclear and Barclays.